Coil Spring - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including support of the rear axle assembly and safe handling of compressed springs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket
• Rear coil spring (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 4 — Replace if damaged or compressed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential center or frame-mounted lift points
5. Support vehicle with jack stands placed securely under frame rails ahead of rear axle - never rely solely on jack
6. Remove both rear wheels completely
7. Spray all shock absorber mounting bolts and U-bolt nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
8. Visually inspect rear suspension components for damage or excessive rust that may complicate removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle assembly
   Position a hydraulic jack directly under the rear axle differential housing. Raise jack until it just makes contact and slightly supports the axle weight, but does not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. The axle must remain supported throughout the entire procedure.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear shock absorbers
   Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt on both sides where the shock connects to the axle mounting plate. You only need to disconnect the lower mount. Allow shocks to hang freely from their upper mounts. Retain all hardware for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Lower axle to release spring tension
   Very slowly lower the hydraulic jack supporting the axle. Watch the coil springs as the axle drops - they will begin to extend. Lower the axle only until the springs are no longer under compression and can move slightly by hand. This typically requires lowering the axle 4-6 inches. Do not lower so far that brake lines or emergency brake cables become taut or stressed.
4. 4

   Install spring compressor on first spring
   Working on one side at a time, install the coil spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions. Position compressor hooks evenly around the spring coils, typically 3-4 coils from each end. Ensure hooks are fully engaged and seated properly in the coil grooves. Tighten compressor slowly and evenly, alternating between adjustment points to compress spring uniformly.
   ⚠️Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged before applying compression. An improperly installed compressor can slip and cause the spring to violently release.
5. 5

   Remove compressed spring from vehicle
   Once spring is sufficiently compressed (no longer touching upper or lower spring seats), carefully maneuver it out from between the axle pad and frame spring pocket. Note the orientation of any rubber isolator pads at top and bottom of spring. The spring will be heavy even when compressed - use caution when removing.
6. 6

   Inspect and prepare spring seats
   Examine the upper spring seat in the frame pocket and lower spring seat on the axle for rust, damage, or debris. Wire brush both surfaces clean. Check rubber isolator pads - replace if cracked, compressed flat, or deteriorated. The lower pad sits on the axle spring perch, upper pad sits in the frame pocket.
7. 7

   Install new isolator pads
   Place new rubber isolator pad on the lower axle spring seat, ensuring it is centered on the perch. Position upper isolator pad in the frame pocket. Some pads have locating tabs or lips that must align with corresponding features in the spring seats.
8. 8

   Compress and install new spring
   If new spring is not already compressed, install spring compressor and compress until spring is short enough to fit between axle and frame. Position spring with the end coil orientation matching the original spring (note which end faces forward). Maneuver compressed spring into place, seating bottom coil on lower isolator pad and top coil against upper isolator pad in frame pocket.
9. 9

   Release spring compressor tension
   Using the hydraulic jack, raise the axle slowly while guiding the spring into proper alignment. As the axle rises, the spring will begin to support load. Once the axle is raised enough that the spring is partially loaded and properly seated top and bottom, carefully and slowly release tension on the spring compressor. Remove compressor tool only when spring is fully supporting the axle weight and compressor is completely slack.
   ⚠️Do not release compressor tension until axle is raised enough to load the spring. Releasing tension prematurely can cause spring to shift violently.
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side spring
    Lower the axle again using the hydraulic jack until spring tension is released. Repeat steps 4 through 9 for the opposite side rear spring. Ensure both springs are properly seated and isolator pads are correctly positioned before proceeding.
11. 11

    Raise axle to ride height position
    Using the hydraulic jack under the differential, raise the rear axle assembly until the suspension is at approximately normal ride height. The shock absorber lower mounts should align with their mounting points on the axle. Verify brake lines and cables have appropriate slack and are not stretched.
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorbers
    Align lower shock absorber mounts with their brackets on the axle. Install lower shock mounting bolts and tighten securely. Torque specifications are not available in the database, but these should be tightened firmly - typically 45-65 ft-lbs for this era AMC. Use thread locker if original hardware is reused.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove weight from jack stands. Remove jack stands and slowly lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque lug nuts to proper specification (typically 75-85 ft-lbs for 1970 AMC) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that both springs are properly seated in upper and lower spring seats
2. Verify shock absorbers are securely mounted at lower attachment points
3. Confirm brake lines and emergency brake cables have adequate slack and are not kinked or stretched
4. Inspect entire rear suspension visually for any components left disconnected or hardware left loose

Verification

• Bounce rear of vehicle several times and listen for any unusual noises indicating improper spring seating or loose components
• Measure rear ride height on both sides - should be equal side-to-side within 1/2 inch
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for unusual handling, noises, or pulling to one side
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all shock mounting bolts and wheel lug nuts, and re-inspect spring seating
• Have front-end alignment checked if vehicle handling seems abnormal after spring replacement

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